An active decision to move away from the behemoth Iron Man franchise and back into indie cinema, Chef is a fresh return for Jon Favreau back to the spirit and personality of breakthrough Swingers.

The story of a successful, if hamstrung, LA chef, one negative review thanks to the demands of his unadventurous restaurant owner (Hoffman) is the final straw for Carl Casper (Favreau). Escaping to Miami with his ex-wife, they buy a food truck and Casper drives all the way home, cooking up fresh recipes and delicious food with his son (Anthony) and Chef de partie Martin (Leguizamo).

Chef is a funny and exciting road trip movie and, while not downgrading the success he’s had with his two Iron Man films, is Favreau’s best film for years. The actor/writer/director/producer’s passion for the project is so clear for all to see, and though the emotional plot points and heartfelt scenes between father and son are nothing if not predictable, they help to elevate Chef to more than just film festival fair. Chef should enjoy a successful run when it finds nationwide release later in the year.

FAN THE FIRE is a digital magazine about lifestyle and creative culture. Launching back in 2005 as a digital publication about Sony’s PSP handheld games console, we’ve grown and evolved now covering the arts and lifestyle, architecture, design and travel.